Central Macedonia Region

OVERVIEW

Central Macedonia, a unique land with a long history, is the largest and second most populous region in Greece after Attica. Central Macedonia’s capital city Thessaloniki, Greece’s second largest city,  the largest port after Piraeus and the country’s second most important commercial and business hub. Other key cities include Serres, Katerini, Veroia, Giannitsa, Kilkis, Naousa, Edessa. The region boasts a rich cultural heritage that serves as a major tourist draw, from the archaeological site of Vergina (Royal Tombs of Aigai) in the west to Mt. Olympus-, Greece’s highest mountain and mythological home to the ancient Greek gods- in the south and Halkidiki-a peninsula known for its sandy beaches and Mt Athos- in the east. Although geographically part of Central Macedonia, the monastic site of Mount Athos is not administratively part of the region, but an autonomous self-governing state under the sovereignty of Greece. Central Macedonia is basically lowland and with many rivers. The larger rivers are the Haliacmon, the Axios, the Loudias and the Gallikos (Echedoros).

.HISTORY

The region of Central Macedonia, with continuous human presence from Prehistoric times, is best known for being an important part of the all-powerful Macedonian civilisation.
The ancient kingdom of Macedonia briefly became the largest empire in the world under the reign of Alexander the Great, a charismatic and decisive leader, in the fourth century B.C. Alexander the Great was born in the Central Macedonian province of Pella. His reign ran from 356 to 323 B.C.
After Alexander’s death, Macedonia remained an important and powerful kingdom until the Romans won the battle of Pydnae (168 BC). During Roman and later Byzantine rule, Veria was a major Macedonian city, second in importance only to Thessalonki.   But Veria and Thessaloniki and every other city, town and village in Macedonia fell to the Turks in the 15th century. There were several uprisings in Macedonia during Ottoman rule, Greece gained the southern parts of Thessaloniki after the First Balkan War, and more after the Second Balkan Waragainst Bulgaria.  The region was occupied by Bulgarian troops during most of World War I and by Bulgarian and German troops in World War II, but each time it was returned to Greek sovereignty at the war’s end.

.ECONOMY

One of the country’s most diversified economies, featuring tourism, manufacturing, energy, mining, and agriculture. The primary sector of the region participates by 26% in gross value added of the primary sector at national level. The Port of Thessaloniki, Greece’s second largest port, serves as an entry point into southeastern Europe.

>Gross regional product:

Total: €25,558 million Per capita: €13,600

.REGIONAL ADMINISTRATION

The region of Central Macedonia is bordering the regions of Western Macedonia (west), Thessaly (south), Eastern Macedonia and Thrace (east), and bounded to the north at the international borders of Greece with Republic of North Macedonia and Bulgaria. The southern part is coastal and is bathed by the Thermaic, Toroneos, Singitic and Strymonic gulfs.

Region’s capital: Thessaloniki Region’s area: 18,810.52 km2 Region’s population (2021): 1,792,069 Region’s Postal Address: 198 Vasilissis Olgas Avenue 54110, Thessaloniki, Greece Region’s Website: https://www.pkm.gov.gr/ Region’s tourism website: https://visit-centralmacedonia.gr/en-us/ Tel: +30 2313 319644

Apostolos Tzitzikostas Regional Governor of Central Macedonia

Apostolos Tzizikostas was born on September 2, 1978. He studied Political Science, Foreign Policy and Diplomacy at Georgetown University in Washington, USA. He is a holder of a MA in European Public Administration and Economics from the University College of London. In October 2023, he was re-elected Regional Governor of Central Macedonia. He speaks English and French.

.REGIONAL UNITS

Explore the seven regional units of Central Macedonia. Click on each box to find out about history, museums, top attractions, beaches, gastronomy, festivals, activities, transportation, accommodation and much more.